One of the best ways to keep a string of pearls healthy is to bottom water them.
Since they are a succulent plant, bottom watering will help prevent root rot.
String of pearls closes their translucent window when they are thirsty, allowing them to conserve moisture.
They can also be fertilized with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. It is best to avoid fertilizing your string of pearls during the winter months.
Repotting a string of pearls
When it comes to repotting your bottom water string of pearls, you will want to use a fast-draining soil mix.
You will also want to find a bigger, deeper pot that will give you plenty of space for the plant. When repotting, make sure to fill the soil about an inch below the lip of the pot.
If the root growth in your string of pearls plant is slowing down, it might be time to repot it. While the process is not difficult, it is still a delicate one. Because a string of pearls has slender stems and many pearls, you need to be gentle with the plant.
If you are considering repotting a bottom water string of pearls, you will want to make sure to use a mixture that contains at least 30% sand. This will provide the proper humidity for the plant. Also, it is important to keep the soil slightly moist, but not so wet that it will drown.
Another way to repot a string of pearls is to propagate the plant by cuttings. These are rooted in water and will sprout new growth.
However, you should not propagate a string of pearls by division. The plant is fragile and can be toxic to humans. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep the cuttings in a place that is out of reach of children.
The soil level in a bottom water string of pearls pot should be about a quarter or a half inch below the rim of the pot. If the soil level is higher, the plant will be more susceptible to root rot. Additionally, if the water stays too long in the pot, it will cause further rot.
Fertilizing a string of pearls
Fertilizing a bottom water string has two main purposes: to keep the plants alive and well and to control their growth and size. If you fertilize your string of pearls during the growing season, you’ll help them gain access to the macro and micro-nutrients they need to thrive.
In nature, plants get the nutrients they need from the soil. However, overfeeding the plants can lead to plant diseases and stunted growth. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you choose the proper fertilizer for your string.
Fertilizing your string of pearls doesn’t have to be difficult. Just remember to water it only when the soil is half dry, and avoid overwatering. Watering the plants too frequently can cause root rot and cause your plant to wilt.
Watering your string of pearls once every two weeks is usually sufficient. However, in winter, you should give them less water and let them dry out completely before watering.
The best way to propagate a string of pearls is through cuttings. Use small pieces about four inches or ten centimeters in size. The smaller the pieces, the higher the chance that they will grow and flourish. Once the cuttings are large enough, place them in moist soil or moss.
The optimal light source for a string of pearls is bright indirect light, ideally 200-foot candles or higher. Alternatively, they can be placed in a bright window for two hours each day. However, keep in mind that too much sunlight can burn the plant.
Checking the moisture of the soil before watering
It is important to check the moisture level of the soil before watering a string of pearl plants. This plant is susceptible to periods of drought and heavy rainfall.
Therefore, it should be watered generously. However, too much watering may result in root rot.
The ideal watering schedule for this plant depends on the season and its needs. It is also important to keep the soil moist enough to prevent it from drying out.
Ideally, you should water the string of pearl plants every two to three weeks, or once a month. This will keep the soil moist but not so wet that it causes damage to the plant’s roots.
Moreover, you should water the plants when the soil is dry but not too dry. Using a moisture meter is a good way to determine the amount of moisture in the soil.
You should also pay attention to signs of needing water, like droopy leaves or shriveled leaves.
If the soil is too moist, the string of pearls may not be able to handle it. If this happens, the plant will suffer from root rot or shrivel up. If you’re worried that your string of pearls is suffering from poor watering, you can use a cheap water meter to check the moisture level.
Shrinkage of pearls usually occurs when the plants are overwatered, so always check the moisture level before watering your string of pearls.
Another thing you need to know about String of Pearls is that they’re toxic to pets. While rabbits and dogs are not affected by their toxins, cats and dogs will likely be drawn to their dangling vines.
Likewise, dogs will likely gobble up anything that falls to the floor. If you suspect your pet of eating the plant, take them to the veterinarian right away so they can be treated for liver damage.
Keeping a string of pearls in a shady area during peak sun hours
Watering a string of pearls plant is relatively easy. Just make sure to water it only when the top half of the soil feels dry.
Watering too frequently can lead to root rot. To prevent root rot, wait until the soil feels dry before watering again. In cooler months, water the plant every two to three weeks.
A string of pearls plant thrives best in a combination of direct and indirect light. It requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. It can tolerate direct sunlight in the morning but needs diffused indirect light during the afternoon.
During the summer, a string of pearls plant can live outdoors in a sunny location. However, keep it in a shady spot during the peak hours of the sun, as it will burn easily in direct sunlight.
Also, keep the temperature moderate, as it doesn’t like cold weather. It will drop its leaves when the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
String of pearls plants are sensitive to insect pests. These pests can easily overtake an unhealthy plant. Poor drainage, high humidity, and overcrowding are all potential causes of insect damage.
Be sure to keep the pot well-ventilated and check it for pests regularly. If necessary, you can spray it with insecticidal soap.
A string of pearls plant is fairly easy to care for. It doesn’t require much fertilizer but will thrive if you give it adequate light.
Unlike snake plants, it doesn’t require high amounts of light throughout the day. If you care for it properly, it will live for five years.
Keeping a string of pearls in a pot too far down in the pot
If you want your string of pearls to thrive, make sure to keep them in a pot that is not too deep. If you pot your string too deep, the plants will struggle to grow and may even die. It’s also important to keep the crown of your pearls at the same level as the edge of the pot.
Otherwise, the light will not reach the crown of your pearls and airflow will be reduced. This can cause the stems to rot or go bald.
Another mistake to avoid is over-watering your string of pearls. You can make the soil moist, but too much water will make the roots rot and make the string of pearls look wrinkled and shriveled.
To prevent this, water your string of pearls only once a month and keep them in a bright, cool area.
During the winter, the soil temperature should be kept at 60 degrees. This will ensure your string of pearls will bloom in the springtime.
Watering String of Pearls: Summary
String of pearls grows well in basic potting soil that is well-drained but make sure you do not compact the soil.
This will prevent them from growing as quickly as you’d like them to. The best soil for your string of pearls is a cacti/succulent potting mix. Unlike many plants, a string of pearls does not need a lot of fertilizer.
You can use a balanced liquid indoor plant fertilizer once a month or twice a month. Avoid using too much fertilizer as it can burn the roots.
Watering your string of pearls too much can cause root rot, which will stunt growth and cause yellow leaves.
Make sure to water your plant only when the top half-inch is dry. Otherwise, the plant will be prone to losing its pearls and may not look as attractive as it did before.